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toponymy

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /təˈpɒnɪmi/

KK: /tɑˈpɒnəmi/

noun
Definition

The study of place names and their origins, or the names of specific locations in a particular area or language.


Example

Toponymy helps us understand the history and culture of a place through its names.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of the term toponymy?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it has something to do with place names, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's really interesting how names can tell us about history.
Sloth B
I agree! Learning about toponymy can open up a whole new perspective on geography.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
placename
geonym
toponym
Antonyms
nontoponym
anonym
unknown
Root Explanation

Toponymy → It is formed from "topos" (Greek, meaning place) and "onoma" (Greek, meaning name). The word refers to the study of place names and their origins.

Memory Tip

Think of 'topos' meaning 'place' and 'onoma' meaning 'name' — toponymy is the study of names of places.

Visually Confused Words
typonym
eponymy
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